A Broward County detention deputy is facing accusations that he sexually battered a child under the age of 12.
Verol Cowans, 58, was arrested by deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office while at work Friday at a Broward jail — the Joseph V. Conte Facility, 1351 NW 27th Ave., Pompano Beach — the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
After being booked into Broward’s Main Jail on a no bond hold, Cowans was taken Sunday to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was booked on four counts of sexual battery on a person less than 12 years old.
Cowans is a resident of Port St. Lucie, court records show.
Cowans was initially hired as a BSO detention deputy in Feb. of 2005, the sheriff’s office said. He retired at the end of June, 2011 for personal reasons and was rehired in his position on Feb. 13, 2013.
Following his arrest, Cowans was suspended without pay.
“The sexual battery charges Cowans is facing are very disturbing, and I demand lawful, honorable conduct from all BSO employees,” Sheriff Gregory Tony said in a statement.
“Any employee found guilty of a criminal offense, especially as it relates to the nature of these allegations, will be permanently removed from service.”
This story will be updated. Check back for additional information.